Warner Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, November 17, 2009
 

Chairman Karrick opened the meeting at 10:05 a.m.

In Attendance:   Selectman David Karrick, Jr. – Chairman, Selectman David E. Hartman, Selectman Clyde Carson &

                        Town Administrator – Laura Buono

Absent:             None  

Others present: William Chandler, Judith Rogers, Peg McLaughlin, Marianne Howlett, Mike Ayotte  

1. Health Coverage

The Town is currently facing a 16.4% cost increase ($31,457) in health benefits. The Selectmen will review options available to lower the cost.   

Selectman Carson would like to discuss which option to go with Option 1 or 2, employee contribution toward the premiums and does the Board want to offer the pre-tax savings plan. Selectman Carson would like to know what other towns are doing and to what degree.  The Town Administrator said there are many towns that have employee contribution, she will find out what the percentage is.   

Options were discussed as well as prescription plans and pre-tax savings plan.  Decisions need to be made by the middle of December.   

Selectman Carson moved to adopt a pre-tax medical plan based on Local Government Center submittal assuming a $3/person cost per month for participating employees.  Chairman Karrick seconded the motion; all were in favor, the motion passed.  

Selectman Hartman moved to adopt Option 1 to offer to the employees of the Town of Warner .   Further savings may be realized based on research.  Selectman Carson seconded the motion; all were in favor, the motion passed.  

Selectman Carson moved to adopt option 1 on both plans, Blue Choice and Mathew Thornton.  Selectman Hartman seconded the motion; all were in favor, the motion passed.  

The Selectmen discussed employee contribution toward the health insurance premium.  Selectman Carson is in favor of keeping the wage increases in the budget. He also feels the flexible spending along with a small contribution on the part of the employees makes good sense.   

2. Adjournment

Motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 11:00 a.m.  

Board of Selectmen  

David Karrick, Jr. – Chairman
David E. Hartman
Clyde Carson  

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Whalen

Recording Secretary